A poisoned sponge is coming in the mail from terrorists-Fiction!

Beware of Bacteria-laden Sponges Arriving in the Mail, Possibly From Terrorists-Fiction!

Summary of Rumor:
An email from a woman who says she got a warning from her boss who got word from her mother who got word from her son who is in the military. The warning is military sources say that people associated with the terrorists that have attacked America have mailed, or may be about to mail, dangerous envelopes to U.S. Citizens. The envelopes look like a product promotion and say "Free Sponge Inside!" The warning is to not open the envelope because the sponge inside has a bacteria on it that the email refers to as "damaging." The email also says the scheme is the "new culprit."

The Truth:
This is a hoax. It is a variation of another widely-circulated about The Klingerman virus. The difference is that this eRumor claims that an envelope will arrive with a bacteria-tainted sponge inside. It doesn't describe what effect the bacteria will have. The Klingerman hoax says that a blue envelope will come in the mail from what is called The Klingerman Foundation and that a sponge inside is instantly fatal if touched.

This eRumor also describes this danger as the "new culprit." We are guessing that is a reference to speculation about what the next step of the terrorists who attacked American will be.

A real example of the story as it has been circulated:

Yesterday my "boss lady" received a call from her mom. "Mom" has a close friend whose son is in the military ... son had called his mom to warn and pass on news. He informed his mom to BEWARE OF REGULAR MAIL. We were told that the information indeed came from a most reliable source, and should be regarded as such.

He explained that military sources had warned that people associated with the terrorist group involved with the recent incidents HAVE mailed or MAY BE ABOUT TO Mail envelopes to citizens.

The envelopes are of a "promotional" nature, and indicate "Free Sponge Inside!" ****** DO NOT OPEN THE ENVELOPE! ****** PLACE IT IN A SEALED CONTAINER AND CONTACT YOUR LOCAL AUTHORITIES. It was indicated that the so-called "free sponge" is tainted with damaging bacteria, that once released / touched / etc. is the 'new culprit'.

* DO NOT ALLOW CHILDREN TO OPEN YOUR MAIL * DO NOT JUST THROW OUT WHAT APPEARS TO BE 'JUNK MAIL' ---- THAT ENVELOPE MAY FALL INTO SOMEONE ELSE'S HANDS * READ THE EXTERIOR OF ENVELOPES RECEIVED BEFORE OPENING OR DISCARDING

Most of all, pray for our nation and our citizens, our leaders in their resolve and decisions, and God Bless America! We were asked to pass this on as soon as possible to any and all people we know. Please do so also. Thanks and have a good day.

Hugs to all! Carole